MSEM Class of 2010

The MSEM class of 2010 joined their families and the Tufts Gordon Institute faculty on the evening of May 19, for a graduation reception to celebrate the students’ collective accomplishment. Reflecting on the two years, Director of Tufts Gordon Institute Rob Hannemann remarked on the difficulties of completing the rigorous two-year program, but added, “your work isn’t over yet, as there are a multitude of issues in our world that need the leadership of engineers.”

Professors of the Practice Sam Liggero and Partha Ghosh reflected on their respective journeys with the students. Liggero pointed out various successes of the students, including the team of MSEM students that won the classic track at this year’s Tufts $100K Business Plan Competition. While Ghosh channeled Queen Elizabeth by noting “It is not in the seeming, it is in the being, let’s wish for the best.” Adding, “It is not in the seeming, it is in the being and actually in the becoming, let’s wish for the best.”

MSEM Program Director Mary Viola took the floor and recognized the ironic role-reversal after she had sat in the back of the classroom to listen to the countless inspirational speeches given by the students as part of the leadership course training. Viola reiterated that while the students had officially graduated, it wasn’t time to conclude the lifelong process of learning. Instead, the onus was with the graduates to reach their full potential. “Leadership is a personal decision,” she said.

After her remarks, Viola presented the inaugural Outstanding MSEM Student award to Paul Herman for his superior academic performance and demonstrated technical leadership. Additional student recognition was given to students Michael Brown, Daniel Catropa, Jerome Davidovich and Geoffrey Lansberry as runner-ups. Herman humbly accepted the award – saying that the award really belonged to each and every one of his classmates.

Concluding the evening on an unexpected note of humor, Michael Brown presented each faculty and staff member with a T-shirt titled, “TGI Professor Wisdom,” signed by the entire MSEM class of 2010. The shirt featured the top-ten quotes said by professors over the two years — and stealthily captured by their captive audiences. While showing that a bit of humor was necessary to get through the program, the T-shirt illustrated the faculty/student bond and the important lessons imparted that each student will undoubtedly carry with them through their lives.